MONROVIA – Following the government’s announcement of 285 earth moving equipment for Liberia on the second day of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai administration’s at the ongoing 3-day Cabinet retreat at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, Monrovia, Representative Frank Saah Foko of District #9 Montserrado County has raised concerns regarding the acquisition process.
Representative Foko, in a statement today, questioned the transparency and source of funding for the equipment. “285 earth moving equipment for Liberia is a good venture but a questionable source,” Foko wrote, emphasizing his role as a legislator to commend commendable actions and condemn questionable ones.
President Boakai’s Minister of State without Portfolio, Mamaka Bility, announced the procurement, which is estimated to cost around twenty-five million dollars, prompting Foko to seek clarity on several critical points:
- Nature of the Deal: Foko questioned whether the acquisition was a grant, loan, or commercial transaction. He highlighted the lack of budgetary allocation for this procurement, noting that the cost represents approximately 5% of the national budget.
- Compliance with Procurement Laws: He expressed concerns about the absence of a competitive bidding process under the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) Act. Foko queried why companies or institutions did not compete, questioning the government’s decision-making process.
- Financial Implications: Foko sought details on the financial terms of the deal, especially in light of Liberia’s significant national debt. He stressed the need to understand the commitments and potential repercussions for the country.
- Source of Equipment: He raised questions about the origin of the equipment, speculating whether they were from countries like Russia, North Korea, Taiwan, and considering Liberia’s diplomatic ties with the United States, Europe, and China.
- Operational and Maintenance Concerns: Foko highlighted logistical challenges, such as fuel consumption, manpower salaries, and maintenance costs, questioning whether the Ministry of Public Works could handle these effectively. He pointed out that over 100 pieces of equipment are already in stock, yet the government contracts companies for road projects.
- Future Sustainability: He voiced concerns about the sustainability of maintaining and utilizing the equipment, given the limited budget for county development schemes and the existing logistical constraints.
Foko concluded his statement by announcing his intention to write to his legislative colleagues to summon key government officials, including Minister Mamaka Bility, Finance Minister Boima Kamara, Public Works Minister Roland Giddings, and Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Sylvester Grisby, to address these concerns.
“We need clarity to avoid future embarrassment and pressure on counties that are already challenged,” Foko emphasized. He called for answers to ensure that the Legislature and Executive are aligned on this significant development.
In his speech at the retreat, President Boakai assured the public of his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability. However, Foko’s statement underscores the need for thorough scrutiny and clear communication to uphold these principles effectively.
As the Unity Party administration continues its retreat, these pressing questions highlight the importance of transparent governance and the responsible management of national resources. The nation awaits further clarification on the procurement and its implications for Liberia’s future development.
